PAF Chief Meets Chinese Defence Leadership, Calls for Joint Innovation in Defence Tech with China
— April 11, 2025
RAWALPINDI (AIA) Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, held key meetings with Chinese defence officials during his visit to China, aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.
According to a press release issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Friday, the air chief met with Admiral Dong Jun, Chinese Minister of National Defence; General Chang Dingqiu, Commander of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF); and Major General Cao Xiaojian, Director General of the Bureau of Military Equipment and Technical Cooperation (BOMETEC).
Upon his arrival at the PLAAF Headquarters in Beijing, a smartly turned-out contingent presented a Guard of Honour. The PLAAF commander lauded the professionalism of PAF personnel, and both commanders agreed to establish a joint working group to further bolster cooperation between the two air forces.
In his meeting with Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to revitalising and enhancing military-to-military cooperation and strategic alliance. They agreed to expand Air Force-to-Air Force collaboration, particularly through complex and aggressive tactical-level aerial exercises.
The cooperation is designed to strengthen joint readiness by addressing challenges across multiple domains. It will prepare air and ground crews from both air forces to counter modern air and space warfare threats effectively.
In a separate meeting with Major General Cao Xiaojian, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu emphasised the importance of exploring opportunities for technology transfer and joint development of advanced military hardware to boost the operational capabilities of both countries.